War anReconciliation:
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Writen byWilliam J. Long, Peter Brecke - PublisherThe MIT Press
- Year2003
War and Reconciliation offers the first systematic study of reconciliation’s role in restoring peace after civil and international wars. Using 11 civil war case studies and 8 international conflict cases, the authors identify key patterns leading to sustained peace. For civil wars, reconciliation hinges on national forgiveness involving public truth-telling, tempered justice, redefinition of former enemies’ identities, and calls for renewed relationships. This process integrates emotion and cognition, rooted in evolutionary psychology to explain human survival mechanisms. Conversely, in international conflicts, reconciliation is marked by strategic signaling through costly and irreversible concessions rather than forgiveness. The book bridges political science with biology and neuroscience, providing a novel interdisciplinary approach to conflict resolution.The book remains highly relevant in an era marked by protracted civil wars, ethnic conflicts, and geopolitical tensions worldwide. Its interdisciplinary approach—integrating psychology, neuroscience, and political science—offers a deeper understanding of peacebuilding beyond mere diplomatic negotiations. The focus on truth-telling, identity transformation, and emotional engagement provides practical tools for community-level reconciliation and healing, perfectly aligning with GRACE Repository’s mission to promote peace, moderation, and coexistence. The framework encourages inclusive dialogues and restorative justice mechanisms that communities, policymakers, and peace activists can apply to reduce fanaticism and build sustainable harmony. The book remains highly relevant in an era marked by protracted civil wars, ethnic conflicts, and geopolitical tensions worldwide. Its interdisciplinary approach—integrating psychology, neuroscience, and political science—offers a deeper understanding of peacebuilding beyond mere diplomatic negotiations. The focus on truth-telling, identity transformation, and emotional engagement provides practical tools for community-level reconciliation and healing, perfectly aligning with GRACE Repository’s mission to promote peace, moderation, and coexistence. The framework encourages inclusive dialogues and restorative justice mechanisms that communities, policymakers, and peace activists can apply to reduce fanaticism and build sustainable harmony.
